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  • When Love Walks You Home

    Intro for This Blog Post

    Sometimes God brings us through seasons we never imagined walking, ones that break our hearts, stretch our faith, and yet somehow deepen our trust in Him. I’ve learned that love and loss can both be sacred places when we let God meet us there. This piece is a glimpse into that part of my story, where faith carried me through goodbye and gently led me toward a new beginning.

    When Love Walks You Home: A Journey of Faith, Loss, and New Beginnings

    Sometimes love stories don’t end where we think they will.
    They change shape, finding new meaning in the hands of God.
    I’ve learned that faith doesn’t just hold us together in love, it carries us through loss and gently leads us toward life again.

    This is my story of learning to trust God with both goodbye and hello… and finding grace in the space between them.

    A Love That Grew Through Faith

    You know, when I think about how marriages came together in biblical days, it touches me in a different way.
    Back then, love didn’t always begin with a spark, it began with faith. Families prayed, trusted God’s direction, and let love grow within His plan. There’s something so peaceful and steady about that… a love that wasn’t rushed or uncertain, but one that deepened through trust and time.

    “Love that begins in faith grows stronger in grace.”

    That’s the kind of love I want is one guided by prayer and grounded in purpose. I don’t need it to be perfect; I just want it to be real, honest, and blessed by God’s hand. If it keeps growing with that kind of faith and tenderness, I know it will last.

    And that kind of love was exactly what I was given.

    When Love Meets Faith in the Hardest Season

    When my late husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness, we talked every night about what the future would look like… his care, his wishes, his prayers. He wanted me to know exactly what to do when the time came: when to call for palliative care, when hospice might be needed, and what he hoped for most.

    His three greatest prayers were that he might see another birthday, be able to die at home, and see or talk to all 5 of his grandchildren one last time. God answered most of those prayers. The one that remained unanswered was seeing his oldest daughter’s children, and that weighed heavy on his heart.

    But even so, his faith never wavered. His courage, his laughter, and his smile remained until the very last moment. I held his hand as he drew closer to heaven’s door, and I was grateful to be there to escort him to those pearly gates.

    “Absent from the body, present with the Lord.”

    Knowing he had simply changed his address, from earth to heaven, gave me strength in the days that followed.

    The Promise That Kept Me Moving Forward

    In our final weeks, he made me promise something that felt impossible at the time; he wanted me to promise that once I had walked through the deep grieving, I would go on living. He wanted me to laugh again, to find joy again… even love again. Being ten years younger, he knew I might have many years left to live, and he didn’t want them spent in sorrow. He made sure our daughters knew that was what he wanted for me.

    At first, I couldn’t imagine wanting anyone or anything beyond the life we’d shared. But as time passed through all the firsts, the holidays, anniversaries, and milestones without him I began to understand what he meant.

    Grief doesn’t end a love story; it changes how it’s told.

    Because Scripture reminds us, “There is no marriage in heaven.” When he stepped into eternity, that sacred vow of “till death do us part” was fulfilled. The earthly bond of husband and wife ended, and with it came a gentle truth: my story wasn’t over.

    Through the Firsts and Into Grace

    The first year felt like learning to breathe again. Every milestone carried both ache and gratitude, the first quiet Sunday, the first holiday without his laughter, the first anniversary of his passing.

    Each one stretched my faith, teaching me that healing doesn’t erase love; it transforms it into gratitude, courage, and grace. Step by step, God reminded me that love doesn’t end, it changes shape. It becomes gratitude. It becomes courage. And it becomes the gentle strength to open your heart again.

    When God Writes the Next Chapter

    So yes, I still want to live. I want to laugh. I want companionship and partnership, those are real, human desires that God placed in us. And with that faith, I took a small, brave step forward.

    On a dare, I created a profile on ChristianMingle.com, and another online dating site, just to see what God might have in store. Maybe a new friend. Maybe a new love. Maybe a new beginning.

    I don’t know what this next chapter will look like, but I trust the Author. Whether it brings friendship, laughter, or even love again, I know He will lead me with the same faith that carried me through loss.

    Maybe this next part of my story isn’t about replacing love but about rediscovering it with God still at the center. Because the same faith that walked me through goodbye is the faith that now walks me toward whatever hello He has waiting.

    Author’s Note

    If you’re walking through loss right now, I hope this reminds you that your story isn’t over. God’s love still writes in the margins of your pain, gently turning pages when you’re ready.

    Healing takes time, and that’s okay. Be patient with your heart. There will come a day when laughter feels natural again, when memories bring more smiles than tears, and when you realize love didn’t leave you. It simply changed form.

    May your faith guide you through the goodbyes and into the grace of new beginnings.

    With grace and faith,
    Marie

  • Catfished

    The Catfish, the Check, and the Comeback

    You’d think that as I draw closer to seven decades of living, running businesses, raising kids (who actually turned out pretty good), surviving heartbreak, and celebrating love, I’d have this whole online dating thing figured out.

    Spoiler alert: I don’t.

    Yes, I got hooked. Hard. And yes, I was embarrassed about it. But let’s be honest, online dating can be strangely entertaining. There’s that little thrill of seeing someone interesting, reading a clever bio, imagining possibilities. It’s like shopping at Target without leaving your couch. And really, who among us hasn’t gotten a big ‘ole fix of Retail Therapy at Target, emotionally or otherwise?

    Swiping, Clicking, “Oh, Maybe Not”

    It all started innocently. I joined an online dating site and, within minutes, found myself in the endless loop of modern love:
    Swipe right, swipe left.
    “Oh, he’s cute.”
    “Oh, he’s holding a fish, nope.”
    Click “like.” Delete. Repeat.

    Then he appeared. Sweet. Kind. Complimentary. A little chat here, a little chat there. Pretty innocent.
    And I thought, okay, we’re just getting to know each other.
    (Famous last words.)

    Emails That Felt Real

    Weeks went by and we moved from quick chats to emails. Real, thoughtful, well-written ones. We shared stories and pictures, asked questions, and before I knew it, I was looking forward to his messages, and then phone calls.

    They made me feel seen. And after thirty years off the dating scene, that felt… well, kind of wonderful.

    He was charming. Attentive. Interested.
    And yes, my guard started to slip.
    (It happens to the best of us.)

    Red Flags, Anyone?

    Then things took a turn.

    He had to go out of town, first New York, then Turkey. (Because of course it’s always Turkey. There must be a scammer convention there.)

    Suddenly he’s professing love, telling me how much I mean to him, and wait for it asking me to receive a $1,000,000+ check for him while he’s abroad.

    A million dollars. In a priority mail envelope. Mailed to my house.

    I mean… who does that?

    And when his “credit card stopped working” and he needed me to send money to help him get home, I could practically hear the scam sirens going off in my head.

    I started playing a little game in my mind:
    “Red flag!”
    “Another one!”
    By the end, I was winning Scam Bingo.

    No Money, No Drama

    I stood firm. No money. No exceptions.

    He tried it all, guilt, charm, flashes of anger, even a little desperation. When none of it worked, he went silent. And that silence? It was the sweetest peace I’d felt in days.

    A few weeks later, a text from him pops up:
    “I’m back in Florida. I need you to mail me that check?”                                                                                   Oh, absolutely. Because that’s exactly how adulting works.

    I keep my response short: “Send me a forwarding address, and I’ll take care of it.”
    Weeks pass. Crickets. No calls. No emails. Oh…right. I Blocked him. Mic drop.

    So now the check’s sitting safely in my safe, and I’m seriously considering sending it to the bank’s fraud department, mostly so I can stop feeling like I’m hiding evidence in a spy movie.

    At the end of the day, falling for a catfish isn’t just about being fooled—it’s about hope, vulnerability, and the deep human longing to connect. It can sting like a cold splash of reality, shake your trust, and leave you questioning what’s real. But it also teaches us to listen to our instincts, set firm boundaries, and value honesty above all else. Real connection isn’t built on polished photos or clever words—it’s in the warmth of genuine attention, the comfort of shared moments, and the quiet assurance of truth. Deception may leave a mark, but it can’t take away your capacity to love, connect, and keep your heart brave.

    The Comeback

    Here’s what I learned from this little adventure in “romance gone rogue”:

    • Sweet words are nice, but your gut is nicer.
    • Boundaries are beautiful. Keep them.
    • If it feels too good to be true, it probably involves a foreign country.
    • And above all, learn, laugh, and move on.

    Because honestly? Those sweet words and compliments did make me feel good for a while. They built my confidence again, and I can’t be too mad about that.

    Yes, I was frustrated. Yes, it stung. And yes, I felt silly. But it also reminded me that I’m still very much alive, still hopeful, still open, still learning.

    The Faith-Filled Takeaway

    When I finally stopped cringing long enough to pray about it, I felt that quiet nudge in my spirit that said, “See? Even here, I’m with you.”

    It wasn’t really about the man, or the money, or even the mistake, it was about grace. About rediscovering the part of myself that still believes in love, still blushes at kind words, and still trusts that God can turn even our most foolish moments into lessons of strength and laughter.

    Because no matter how many red flags flutter by, I’d rather have a heart that hopes than one that’s hardened.
    And maybe that’s the real comeback, keeping faith that love, in all its forms, is still worth showing up for.

    Your Turn

    Have you ever been catfished, or nearly?
    Did you catch it early, or did it take a while before the red flags came out?
    I’d love to hear your story. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and maybe together we’ll find a little humor, a little healing, and a lot of grace in the lessons love teaches us.

  • Dating Pool

    Dipping a Toe in the Dating Pool

    Summer’s over. The crisp fall air is creeping in, and swims in lakes, rivers, or the ocean are officially on pause until spring. But me? I’ve just dipped my toe in the “dating pool,” and let’s just say…it runs both hot and cold.

    Dating Then vs. Dating Now

    Dating today is a whole new world compared to 30 years ago. Back then, you met someone at a church social, a family gathering, or maybe through a blind date. You actually had to talk to someone before deciding if you liked them!

    Now? Profiles, swipes, algorithms, and enough emojis to make your head spin. As a widow dipping back in, it’s equal parts overwhelming and comical, sometimes hilarious, sometimes head-scratching, often both at once.

    “Back then, talking came before swiping. Now, it’s all thumbs and emojis!”

    Swipe, Swipe, Swipe…

    Picture window shopping at the mall, but instead of clothes or gadgets, it’s profiles.

    • Swipe left
    • Swipe right
    • Swipe up
    • Swipe down

    Hit a like button or write a note. Some people answer pre-chosen questions in just a few words, leaving them as mysterious as a carnival grab bag. Others (guilty as charged) have a lot of words and can write short stories, or sometimes novels, potentially scaring off anyone who doesn’t love to read.

    Messaging Madness

    And then there’s the messaging. Some first messages I’ve seen:

    • “Do you like tacos?” (Yes, I do.)
    • “I just bought a llama farm…” (Uh…what?)

    And the profile pictures! Someone with a cat on their head, another holding a fish they obviously didn’t catch, and one that looked like it was taken in the middle of a tornado.

    “You never know what you’re going to get!”

    Finding Humor and Faith in the Chaos

    Through it all, I remind myself that God is in the details, guiding hearts, decisions, and timing. He can take all the noise and turn it into clarity.

    “The waiting, the swiping, and the occasional headshaking?  A little sweeter when I trust Him.”

    Keeping It Real

    For the record, I’m not much of a “competition” girl when it comes to romance. I don’t share well when it’s something or someone that truly matters. I’d rather trust the One who already knows the story, the hearts, and the timing, and let Him write it in a way that feels right for both of us.

    Sure, profiles have criteria: age, interests, location. Inevitably, some people sneak in outside those limits with a polite, “The distance is too far” or “I wish you lived closer.” Honestly? Distance isn’t something I get hung up on. Home is where the heart is, right? Compatibility and partnership matter far more than a push pin in the map.

    Laughing, Trusting, and Letting Go

    So here I am, keeping it real, laughing at myself, and leaving it with the Lord. His will is ultimately what matters most. And if nothing else, I promise honesty, a little humor, and maybe even a few moments that make us both smile along the way.

    “Honesty, humor, and a little faith—that’s my dating strategy.”

  • Grace Notes

    Reflections of faith, hope, and everyday grace, written from the heart.

    Welcome

    Life has a way of reshaping us, sometimes through loss, sometimes through love, and often through the quiet moments in between.
    Here, I share reflections from the heart, stories of faith, hope, and healing. As I learn to walk this new chapter with grace, gratitude, and a steady trust in God’s goodness.
    May you find comfort, connection, and a little light for your own journey along the way.

    Walking by Faith, Writing My Way Forward

    Hi, I’m Marie, a kind-hearted, compassionate woman learning to walk gracefully through this new chapter of life.

    Now, as a widow, I no longer have a true companion to share my days with, but I’ve found comfort in leaning on my keyboard and computer screen, sharing pieces of life, laughter, and faith straight from the heart.

    A new friend recently said, “Putting emotions into words can transform pain into perspective.”  Thank you, Rakesh, you are spot on!

    In this season, I’ve come to treasure the simple joys that whisper of God’s goodness, the warmth of sunshine on my face, a soft breeze through an open window, and the laughter that reminds me my heart still knows how to dance.

    My faith keeps me steady, and my family and friends remain the heartbeat of my world.

    Through writing, I’m learning that connection comes in many forms, in shared stories, kind words, and the quiet understanding that reminds us we’re never really alone.

    And while I don’t know what tomorrow holds, I believe love, in all its forms, has a way of finding us again, right when our hearts are ready to receive it.

    So here I am, walking by faith, holding onto hope, and writing my way toward whatever beautiful chapters are still to come.

    Because stepping into something new has a way of opening doors we didn’t even know existed. It nurtures resilience, grows confidence, and deepens our understanding of ourselves, gently reminding us that even life’s challenges can carry lessons, blessings, and God’s quiet guidance.

    Each day is a chance to embrace growth, to keep learning, and to let our hearts stay open, to love, to change, and to the grace that meets us right where we are.

    With grace and gratitude,
    Marie

    “God often writes new beginnings on the pages where we thought the story was over.”

    About Grace Notes

    Grace Notes was born from a simple truth, that even in the hardest seasons, there are still soft places where grace shows up. Through words and reflections, I share the lessons, laughter, and little miracles that remind me God is present in it all.

    This space is for anyone navigating life’s in-betweens, for those learning to heal, to hope again, and to find beauty in the everyday.
    May these stories encourage your spirit, lift your heart, and remind you that you are never walking alone.